NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 1, 2002)—The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund is partnering up with Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) as a national sponsor of the Great American Cleanup 2002.
The tire maker's company-owned stores across the country will participate in locally organized clean-up, beautification and community improvement programs. The Great American Cleanup, which runs from March through May, is the nation's largest organized cleanup, beautification and community improvement program.
“We're committed to promoting a healthier environment and to being a good corporate neighbor, and this program allows us to do both,” said John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc. “I'm proud that the Trust Fund and Bridgestone/Firestone will be participating in this year's Great American Cleanup.”
Each year, more than 2 million volunteers from across the country pitch in to make their neighborhoods safer, healthier and more beautiful places to live. More than 30,000 different events in 12,000 communities are organized each year, including activities such as litter clean-up, planting, recycling, painting and renewal programs, and other beautification and refurbishing projects.
Bridgestone/Firestone company-owned stores will be announcing local Great American Cleanup events in their stores via point of purchase displays to direct volunteers to the Keep America Beautiful Web site (www.kab.org). Individual stores may participate in tree, shrub and flower planting activities.
The company is also encouraging all Bridgestone/Firestone tire dealers to become involved in the effort by directing volunteers to the Keep America Beautiful Web site or by joining in beautification efforts in their local communities. More information about Bridgestone/Firestone's role in the Great American Cleanup is available online at www.MasterCareUSA.com.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose network of more than 500 local, statewide and international affiliate programs educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle and properly manage waste materials. Through partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, KAB's programs motivate millions of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods, creating healthier, safer and more livable community environments.